RUGBY

Otago Witness, Issue 3885, 28 August 1928, Page 51

RUGBY

By Full Back. -OTAGO'S ENGAGEMENTS. September 5, v. Southland, at Invercargill. September 15, v. Wellington, at Dunedin. September 22, v. Southland, at Dunedin. . - September 29, v. South Canterbury, at Dunedin. . NEW SOUTH WALES TOUR.. August 29, v. Wanganui, at Wanganui. September 1, v. Hawke’s Bay, at Napier. September 6, v. New Zealand (first test), at Wellington. September 8, v. New Zealand (second test), at Dunedin. September • 12, v. Southland, at Invercargill. i September 15, v. New Zealand (third test), at Christchurch. September 19, v. Marlborough, at Blenheim. Payne Shield Match, September 1. THE NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM. ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, August 21. The New South Wales Rugby team arrived from Sydney, and is proceeding to Auckland this afternoon. The manager, Mr C. R. Morgan, states that the team is a young one, and should weld into a first-class side. All the players have done well in the First Grade football this season. Three of them are Waratahs —Malcolm, Bland, and Towers. The team is as follows: Full-backs, R. Westfield, B. H. D. Croft; three-quarters, W. H. Hemmingway, A. M. Smairl, W. White, C. H. Towers, B. C. Caldwell, D. Bull, R. Burge; five-eighths—W. G. George, H. Bartley; halves, H. Snell, S. J. Malcolm (captain); forwards: H. W. Lagenberg, W. H. Cerutti, L. ComrieThomson, J. O’Donnell, W. J. Phipps, J. O’Connor, J. S. Lamb, G. Bland, R. B. Lowden (vice- captain), M. Rosenblum, H. Abbott, E. Bardsley, A. Munsie; with A. Thorn, an ex-repre-sentatives as a masseur.

RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH. WAIRARAPA DEFEATS WELLINGTON. CARTERTON, August 22. Wairarapa and Wellington met at Carterton to-day in a Ranfurly Shield match. The weather was fine with practically no wind. The attendance was between 4000 and 5000. The final-scores were:— Wairarapa .. .. 9 points. Wellington .. .. 3 points. AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY TEAM. MATCH IN FIJI. SUVA, August 22. The Auckland University team defeated the Fiji second fifteen by 11 points to 10. THE INTER-ISLAND MATCH. CRITICISM OF ARRANGEMENTS. CHRISTCHURCH, August 22. A protect against the inadequate arrangements made for the North v. South Island Rugby match last Saturday by the New Zealand Rugby Union was made at last night’s meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union. Mr J. K. Moloney said that confusion a-ose owing to the lack of control by the New Zealand Rugby Union. Players, particularly those of the South Island team, were wandering about the streets lost. Owing to race week, accommodation was scarce, and the players were billeted all over the place. It had not been fair to the team. He thought that the New Zealand Union should be urged to make arrangements that the interisland teams should be assembled together not later than 10 o’clock on the morning before the match. A motion to this effect was carried. MATCH AT DANNEVIRKE. SOUTH DEFEATS NORTH. DANNEVIRKE, August 22. The game between the North and South Hawke’s Bay teams was won by South .by 11 points to 8, Parker scoring a brilliant try in the last minute of the contest.

HIGH SCHOOLS’ TOURNAMENT

WON BY CHRISTCHURCH. Although the standard of football shown when the High Schols’ tournament was concluded on Thursday was not up to that of the first day, the large crowd of- spectators saw - plenty of spectacular play. Christchurch and' Timaru met in the final, the former team winning by 24 points to 16, and thus gaining the championship for the fourth time. In the early match, Otago and Southland met, the home team winning by 13 points to nil. Otago, therefore, is placed next to Christchurch with one win, and Timaru and Southland are equal third with one draw each. Timaru has won the tournament five times, Otago three times, and Southland once. The following table gives a record of the matches played in the tournament: —

CHRISTCHURCH v. TIMARU. . The match between Christchurch and Timaru provided a fine exihibition, and, in spite of the wet ground, it was the fastest game of the tournament. It was closely contested from start to finish, but on the day’s play Christchurch deserved to win. The forwards were evenly matched, but the winners had a more finished set of backs. A feature of the match was the fine kicking of the Timaru side. The teams were as follow:— Christchurch (Blue and Back).—Fullback, H. R. Escot (11.8); three-quarters— L. S. White (10.3), E. H. Gregg (11.0), N. M'Cleland (11.9); five-eighths, W. H. Vincent (11.0), J. K. Gaskin (11.1); halfback, E. A. M. Ussher (9.10); forwards— W. Pease (11.8), G. D. Goodhart (11.8), A. C Harris (11.8), A. Cloade (12.4), D. P; ** ac £ enzie (11-6), J- G. Malcolmson (10 10) K’ -Fountain (11.6), A. Bowen Timaru (White). —Full-back, Manning - (9.8) three-quarters—Laing (11.9), Robertson (11.2), Palmer (9.13); fiveeighths, M'Donald (9.10), Moore (11.2); half-back, M'Auliffe (9.6); forwards— Blue (11.8), Cox (11.3), Stephenson (9.10) Duke (12.3), Bruce (11.4), Thomson (11.10), MTnnes (10.12), King. The scores were:— Christchurch .. .. 24 points. Timaru ~ .. ~ : 16 points. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. Otago won comfortably against Southland mainly as the result of better combination. The home forwards played with great dash in the loose, but seldom hooked the ball. They were so quickly round on the Southland half-back, however, that the. visitors reaped little advantage from their superiority in the set scrums. Salt, the Otago wing three-quarter, was the outstanding back. The teams were as follow:— Southland (Red, White, and Blue). — Full-back, N. Mitchell (10.0); three-quar-ters—J. R. Murray (10.12), H. R. Watts (11.4) Murchison; five-eighths, N. Berbie (10.8) T. Crowe (10.5); half-back. E. Hawke (8.12); forwards—J. Gardiner (11.2), C. W. Smith (9.9), W. Blakie (11.1), M. Cournane (11.4), O. J. Yule (11.12), H. F. Ross (11.5), B. Barclay (11.6), W. Fleming (11.3). Otago (Blue and White). —Full-back, D. S. Nicholson (10.11); three-quarters— F. Herbert (10.0), D. A. R. Moloney (9.13), J. R. Salt (10.10); five-eighths, W. Miller (10.7), R. J. D. Wilson (10.12); half-back, R. J. P. Garden (10.0); forwards —W. J. Bews (10.3), W. A. Hunter (10.5) H. J. Stinson (10.1), E. P. Drew (11.10) H. Tonkinson (11.0), O. W. Chapman (10.12). W. G. K. Miller (11.12), R. G. Jolly (10.7). The scores were:— Otago 13 points. Southland .. .. Nil. CANTERBURY v. SOUTH CANTERBURY. TIMARU, August 23. The Canterbury touring team defeated South Canterbury here to-day before 2000 spectators by’2l points to 16. In the first half the game was much below interprovineial standard, but in the second both sides showed improved form, and the game was fast and exciting at times. The home side had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half and led at the interval by 8 points to 6. South Canterbury played a great game in the second half, although facing the wind, the forwards outclassing the visitors in all departments. The home side put on eight more points before the visitors increased their first half total. The latter then scored a converted try and an unconverted try and also kicked two field goals, giving them a five point victory. On the run of the play South Canterbury were unlucky to lose. MAHENO CLUB’S RECORD. OAMARU, August 23. By defeating Marists by 16 points to 8 at Waimate this afternoon, the Maheno Club established a record by annexing all three trophies—the Citizens’ Shield, the Mollison Cup and the Clark Shield — in one season. OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. WIN FOR THE HOME TEAM. Possession of the ball is the first essential in football, for the reason that if one side has it, the other side cannot make use of it. It is no exaggeration to say that the Canterbury forwards secured 80 per cent, of the ball from the scrums on Saturday, but having obtained it, their' backs lost possession, and the fast Otago backs and forwards made play off the consistent and persistent mistakes of their opponents. It was very noticeable that most of the tries scored by Otago were the result of movements started well out in the field of play. It was a game of lost opportunities for Canterbury, and of clever play by the Otago rearguard and fast loose rushes by the forwards. The Blues put up their • best game of the season so far, and they well deserved their win. THE TEAMS. CANTERBURY. (Red and Black). Full-back, G. Mehrtens 11.3. • Three-quarters—C. D. Chesley 12.12, J. Galbraith 10.10, L. Loveridge 12.7. Five-eighths, D. G. Grant 12.0, D. Hay ’ 10.7. ' Half-back, M. L. Page 10.12. Forwards —F. L. Clark 12.8, A. I. Cot--1 trell 12.8, J. B. Jackson 13.6, T Lawson 1 13.0, J. Manchester 13.7, Tom Robinson ’ 14.0, Toby Robinson 13.0, S. F. Fookes ‘ 12.12 (wing-forward). 1 OTAGO, i (Dark Blue). Full-back, C. Nicholson 12.2. ■ Three-quarters—G. M'Clymont 12.0, F. Donnelly 11.12, R. Webb 12.7. Five-eighths, M. Matheson 11.4, N. Bradanovitch 10.11. Half-back, A. Holden 11.0. Forwards —J. Stewart 13.4, L. More 12.6, J. Donnelly 13.6, C. Sonntag 14.0,

L. Carnegie 14.2, J. Findlay 14.2, E. Marsline 13.8, H. Davis 12.7 (wing-forward).

FIRST SPELL. The Colours kicked off from the Cargill road end, and the Blues quickly- attacked, F. Donnelly missing with a penalty. The Colours opened with passing among the backs, Grant punting to Nicholson, who kicked to the line at halfway. The Colours’ backs came again, Nicholson collarin" Loveridge near the Blues’ twentyfive nag. Marslin led a counter-attack, but Mehrtens drove back with a good kick. The game was so far chiefly confined to the forwards, with some dashes by the.Colours’ backs. Page was getting the ball away well, but the passing thereafter was too slow, and too straight across the field. Play went to the Colours’ twenty-five, where Toby Robinson marked, Marslin charging down his kick. Toby Robinson then palpably got offside, Frank Donnelly missing with a fairly easy penalty shot. Once again the Colours’ backs attacked, but Matheson broke into weak passing at midfield, and threw to F. Donnelly, who shot clean through the defence in brilliant style, and gave M'Clymont a clear field. The Blue wing three-quarter raced along the left wing with two Canterbury men in hot pursuit, and went round to the goal posts. F. Donnelly kicked a goal. Otago 5 points Canterbury .. .. Nil The Colours’ forwards came with a rattle. Chesley missed with a penalty, Matheson returning well, and then the Colours’ forwards, for whom Manchester and Fookes were playing well, went right to the Blues’ line, Jackson being collared, just in time. Reckless passing had lost a sure score. A free kick to the Blues relieved the pressure, and shortly after M'Clymont secured near the halfway flag, passing by the Canterbury backs breaking down. Side-stepping a tackle, the Blue winger set sail for the line, Page overhauling him in the last bit. M'Clymont threw infield as he went down, and F. Donnelly kicked over the line and got to the ball first. Bradanovitch missed with an easy goal kick. Otago 8 points Canterbury .. .. Nil The Colours’ forwards continued to hook the ball to Page, but after the ball had left him the passing generally broke down. Grant, Hay and Galbraith were not a happy combination. Chesley missed with a penalty, M'Clymont hanging to the ball when collared, and then Mehrtens ran into loose play and passed to Toby Robinson. He sent on to Fookes, wild play by the colours losing an almost certain score. The Colours’ rearguard were not frightened to throw the ball about — it was spectacular play, but not effective. Tom Robinson dribbled away from a serum at the Blues’ twenty-five but Nicholson ran back to the halfway flag. Grant was showing out in solo work, but his play otherwise was not helping his side, his passing being too slow and erratic. From loose play at the centre, a long pass was sent to M'Clymont, who started away on a 40 yards sprint. He side-stepped or threw off the attacks by four of the Canterbury men in great style, but was grassed near the line. Marslin, however, was handy and picked up to score. F. Donnelly missed the goal kick. Otago 11 points. Canterbury Nil The muddling play of the Colours’ backs must have been very disappointing to their supporters. At last Chesley got a pass, and dashed along his left wing. From the thrown in the Colours’ forwards rushed the ball over the line, Clark getting to it first. Chesley missed the goal kick. Otago . ~ .. 11 points. Canterbury 3 points... Clark and Loveridge were prominent in another attack by the Colours, and Hay made a gallant thrust for the line, being dragged down in front of the Blues’ goal. The Colours’ forwards were still in the ascendant, and Hay, Grant, Hay again, Galbraith and Chesley came away in a pretty passing rush, the last named scoring. The kick at goal failed. Otago 11 points.Canterbury 6 points. Nicholson was playing a good game and saving his side, and Mehrtens was also doing good work for his side. Mehrtens was caught with the ball at his twentyfive, but Loveridge came back and kicked to the line. Just before the half time whistle Brandanovitch ran along the right wing and passed to Webb. Webb made a dash and sent infield to Bradanovitch, who ran to Mehrtens and then gave Webb a clear run over and round. It was a clever and well-executed movement. Bradanovitch kicked a goal. Otago .. .. .. .. 16 points. Canterbury . . .. 6 points. SECOND SPELL. Otago were forced by a hard kick on resuming, and then Davis showed out with a good dribble from a scrum. He caught Mehrtens with the ball, and F. Donnelly dribbled on to the goal posts, Grant getting back in time to save. Otago kept on attack, and Nicholson raced along the left-wing to pass infield to Matheson. The Blue full-back got the ball again, and M'Clymont was then pulled down on the Colours’ line. Give and take play followed till Holden ran round the blind side of a scrum, fended off a big Canterbury man, and threw out to Webb, who beat the opposition for speed and grounded the ball near the right corner. Nicholson missed the goal kick. Otago 19 points. Canterbury 6 points. The Canterbury backs could do nothing right, most of the attack by the Colours coming from Fookes and the other Canterbury forwards. Manchester was doing fine work on the line outs and in the tight play, and Stewart was showing up for the Blues. Thd Blues worked play to the Colours’ twenty-five, where Matheson broke away from a tackle and potted a fine goal. Otago .." .. .. .. 23 points. Canterbury .. ~ 6 points. Hay was shaping the best of the Colours’ inside backs, but the Blue rearguard, Bradanovitch especially, were playing with plenty of dash and confidence, and repeatedly turning defence into attack. Loveridge, who runs strongly, was not getting many opportunities. The Colours’ forwards, playing with great determination, pushed the Blue vanguard back, and

Grant made a good cut in to pass to Fookes near tho line. In a scramble, Grant again secured and scored. Chesley missed the goal kick, Otago 23 points. Canterbury. .. 9 points. Each side had a turn at attack, Mehrtens stopping one rush headed by Sonntag in plucky fashion. Matheson made a dash and then potted, the ball falling just short of the goal posts. Chesley secured and ran back behind his line. He then commenced to run out, pretending to. force the ball, but Webb caught him pn a wares rounds the knees from behind. Chesley dropped the ball, and F. Donnelly picked it up and planted it over the line. Nicholson missed the goal kick. 2 ta g o , 26 points. Canterbury .. .. 9 points. The Colours’ forwards continued to give their backs the ball from the scrums, and the rearguard continued to make a muddle of their chances. From loose play at the centre, F. Donnelly passed out to Webb, who set off along the right wing, and then threw a long pass infield to Holden, who raced over unopposed. Nicholson kicked a good goal > Otago .. .. .. .. 31 points. Canterbury .. .. 9 points. In the last stages of the game the visitors set up a strong attack, but they could not finish off their work. Hay was almost successful with a pot, and shortly after the Blues had to force. Holden marked in the face of another thrust by the Colours, and kicked out near his twenty-five, and the final whistle then went. Otago 31 points. Canterbury .. .. 9 points.

TEAM FOR WEDNESDAY.' F. DONNELLY NOT AVAILABLE. The following team has been selected tn play South Canterbury at Carisbrook on Wednesday:— Full-back—C. Nicholson. Three-quarters—W. G. M'Clymont, L. Churchill, R. Webb. Five-eighths—M. Matheson and N. Bradanovitch. Half-back—A. Holden. Forwards—J. Stewart, L. More, J. Donnelly, C. Sonntag, L. Carnegie, I. Glendinmg, E. Marslin, and H. Davis. Emergencies: Backs—Giles, Fountainforwards —Findlay, Clark. F. Donnelly was not available for the match. JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES. OTAGO BEAT CANTERBURY. The match between the junior representatives of Otago and Canterbury was played at Carisbrook as a curtain raiser to the big event. The Blue team, both backs and forwards, were too good for their opponents. Gourlay, Potaka, and Priest were the best of the local backs, and Lunn (who, however, was inclined to get out of position) shaped well in the visiting team. The teams were as follow: OTAGO (Dark Blue). Full-back—N. Clouston 11.10. Three-quarters—R. M'Donald 11.6, R. Guthrie 10.0, and A. M. Prichard 12.4. Five-eighths—D. Potaka 10.0 and W. A. Priest 11.0. Half-back—K. Gourlay 9.7. Forwards—W. H. Watson 11.8, T. B. Ferguson 11.7, D. Allan 12.7, T. Treloar 12.0, S. Bell 12.10, H. G. Gordon 12.0, I. Borrie 12.6, and L. Trotter 11.4. CANTERBURY (Red and Black). Full-back—B. Penrose. Three-quarters—W. Thornton, E. Lunn, and A. Flewellyn. Five-eighths—C. Riordan and G. Ebert. Half-back—R. Sullivan. Forwards—Taylor, Dawson, Simpson, A. Hands, F; Thompson, Roberts, Young, and C. Quaid.

The Blues were the first to attack, and the Colours had to force. The ball went out to the Colours’ backs, Sullivan making a good run, and after scrummaging near the line the Colours’ half-back forced his way across. The goal kick failed. 3 —nil. The Blues attacked strongly, and Gourlay started his backs on the short side. Potaka made a break, and Gourlay came into the passing again and scored. Guthrie missed the goal kick. 3—3. Riordan was hurt, and was replaced by Woodward. Thornton broke through from weak tackling, and Lume helped his side with a grubber kick, the Blues forcing shortly after. Priest was showing up well in attack. M'Donald failed to hold the ball at the end of a nice bit of passing, Thornton kicking back. The Blues were in trouble shortly after, and had to force. Thornton showed out in a good solo effort, Potaka running back and kicking into touch. Woodward and Ebert carried play to the Blues’ twenty-five, Clouston relieving with a fine line kick. The play on both sides lacked finish. At half time the score was 3 points each. The Blue backs opened with passing, Priest and Potaka being prominent. Sullivan, Ebert, and Lunn came away with passing, but the Colours were soon defending again, Flewellyn saving well with a kick to the line. Watson went off hurt and Watkins came on. Dawson and Taylor headed a Colours’ rush, and Potaka had to run back over his line and force. A scrum was formed, and then a free kick brought relief to the Blues. From play at the centre Potaka cut in well and passed to Priest, who sent in to M'Donald, the last-named going past two or three' opponents to score a great try at the right corner. Guthrie missed the goal kick. 6—3. Clouston just managed to save a score against the Blues shortly after miskicking to his own line when under pressure, ’and then having to force in a hurry. The visitors were being frequently penalisedfor offside play. The Blue backs joined in another good bit of- passing, Guthrie sendPrichard away on the left-wing, the Blue winger being downed near the Canterbury line. Lunn was playing a solid game, but he was sometimes in amongst his forwards. Allan and Watkins were in the front of another Blue rush, the Colours having to force. From a scrum at the centre Gourlay started his backs, and Guthrie passed to Prichard, who broke away from a tackle by Penrose and scored. Treloar, missed the goal kick, g—

In the last stages of the game the Blues were having the best of it, and Guthrie cut in near the goal posts and went over- in the arms of an opponent. He missed with the goal kick. Otago .. .. ... 12 points. Canterbury ... .. .. 3 points. NEW SOUTH WALES TEAM. ' VICTORY OVER AUCKLAND. A FAST AND BRILLIANT SIDE. AUCKLAND, August 25. The New South Wales Rugby team opened its tour most auspiciously to-day by defeating Auckland by 19 points to 8. The game was played at Eden Park in ideal conditions find before about 30,000 spectators. The visitors played great football, the forwards shining in all departments and the backs outclassing the crack Auckland rearguard by speed, which was equal to the home team’s and cleverness which was far greater. The visitors were well led by Malcolm, who played brilliantly, While Towers also shone as a fine attacking player. Westfield’s defence was magnificent. The teams were as follow: — Auckland. —Paewai, Falwasser, Stuart, Minns, R. Hook, Jenkin, Carter, Linton, Palmer, Finlayson, Cathcart, Wanda, A. Knight, L. Knight, Batty. New South Wales.—Westfield, Hemingway, Towers, Caldwell, White, George, Malcolm, Cerutti, O’Donnell, ComrieThompson, O’Connor, Bland, Louden, Rosenblum, Bardsley. Towers kicked off for New South Wales. After some scrambling play Auckland secured from a scrum, but the movement broke down, and the fast New South Wales backs swung away for the first time. Hemingway and Towers raced down the side line, but Bland was offside when he took in the pass. The crowd cheered when Westfield, the visiting full-back, made a great attempt to pot a goal from nearly halfway. The Auckland forwards then made a rush, but Westfield snapped, the ball up from Batty’s toe and found touch brilliantly. The local backs next had a turn, Stuart making a good opening for Minns. The "winger evaded two men in a great run for the corner, but was pushed into touch inches from the line, and New South Wales forced. A brilliant cut in by George once more placed the visitors on attack and the forwards followed up a high kick. The ball went over the line, and in a thrilling race Louden touched down for the first try of the tour. Caldwell's kick struck the upright. New South Wales 3. Auckland nil. The Auckland forwards retaliated and Batty and Palmer led a fine rush. Jenkin failed from a penalty just outside the twenty-five, but the Auckland backs returned to the attack. Stuart again cut through brilliantly, but Falwasser was jammed on the touch line. Westfield was playing a great game for the visitors, and he saved again when R. Hook broke through. Shortly after, his fearless tackling robbed Auckland of a try when Linton broke away with Batty in support. On defence, the New South Wales backs were playing up close and bustling the Auckland backs into mistakes in handling. Bland was injured and had to retire, his place being taken by Lamb. The game was full of incident. White made a brilliant run on the blind side, blit went down before a magnificent tackle by Paewai. The Auckland forwards, led by L. Knight counter-attacked, and New South Wales was hard pressed until Malcolm cleared. Shortly after he set his backs in action with the Auckland pack right on top of him. There was some brilliant handling, and both Caldwell and Towers made openings, but a forward pass saved Auckland when the movement had shattered its defence. New South Wales was not to be denied and after another passing rush White sailed over at th? corner and raced round to touch down near the posts. The kick failed, and half time came with the scores: New South Wales .. 6 points. Auckland Nil. A fine run by Towers opened the second half, and although the Auckland pack made an endeavour to monopolise play a well-placed kick by the New South Wales centre again had the home team in danger. Cathcart made a fine opening, but the Auckland pack was pulled up for a knock on. Auckland was now playing with much more dash, and Falwasser narrowly missed a try when Wanoa sent out a long pass from the loose. Caldwell changed the venue of the game with a fine run, but Paewai’s tackling was equal to the occasion. The Auckland forwards worked back, headed by Fihlayson, and, with . New South Wales defending hard, Falwasser beat about half the team in a mercurial dash. Auckland was now in form, and receiving the Dall from the scrum Jenkin dashed through to score near the posts. He kicked a goal himself. New South Wales .. 6 points Auckland .. .. .. 5 points Bent on retaliation the visitors’ forwards attacked strongly, but a penalty tor off side allowed Auckland to clear. Jenkin speculated when a kick by Falwasser was charged down, and, following up fast, caught Westfield in possession for the first time. Auckland mamtamed the pressure. Securing from a scrum, Jenkin and R. Hook both drew their men, and Stuart cut through brilliantly to score. Jenkin’s kicked failed. Auckland 8 points New South Wales «• 6 points ■ New South Wales returned, and their backs swung away. Towers beat Stuart badly, outpaced R. Hook, and side-stepped Paewai to score the most brilliant try of the match. Hemingway’s kick was fruitless. New South Wales ~ 9 points Auckland 8 points - There followed spirited passing by the New South Wales backs and forwards, in which Malcolm handled several times, and the Auckland defence was caught sadly out of position. Malcolm passed to Rosenblum, who dashed through to score at the corner. Towers failed with the kick. New South Wales .. 12 points Auckland .. .. .. 8 points , Auckland made frantic efforts to regain the lead. The forwards battled hard but the genius of Malcolm and Towers

frustrated the best efforts of the Auckland _ backs, and the line kicking of the visiting backs was.. bewildering in its length and accuracy.- It forced Auckland right back on its line. Malcolm worked the blind side twice, and Minns threw White into touch. A brilliant snap up and line kick by Paewai saved, but New South Wales was soon back again, and a penalty for obstruction saw Towers increase his side’s lead with a penalty goal. New South Wales .. 15 points Auckland .. .... 8 points There was another great rush by New South Wales, the forwards and backs sweeping down on to Auckland’s line. Paewai failed to find touch from a penalty which was awarded Auckland as the bell rang, and the ball came infield to_ Malcolm, who set the seal on his side’s victory with a beautiful field goal, leaving the final score: — New South Wales .. 19 points Auckland .... .. 8 points THE TEAMS ENTERTAINED. CASUALTIES AMONG VISITORS. ' AUCKLAND, August 23. The New South Wales and Auckland teams were entertained at dinner last night. Mr J. Arneil (president of 'the Auckland Rugby Union), who occupied the chair, said that the proof of the popularity of New South Wales teams was reflected in the large attendance at Eden Park on the previous afternoon and the impartial reception accorded the visitors, who scored a meritorious win. He predicted a bright future for the team on its New Zealand tour. Replying, Mr Morgan (manager of the New South Wales team) said he was very pleased indeed with the showing of his boys, who were untried and had not played together before. He considered Mr Sutherland one of the best referees he had ever seen. Bland, one of the visitors’ forwards, who suffered a broken nose yesterday, was un able to go south with the team to-niglit. He is at present in hospital, but will rejoin the party later in the week. Caldwell, one of the centres, broke a vein in his leg, and may not be able to play again on the tour.

WELLINGTON v. MANAWHENUA. NARROW VICTORY FOR THE FORMER. LEVIN, August 25. Wellington met Manawhenua in fine weather. The ground was in good order, and there was a large attendance. Wellington kicked off, and Manawhenua defended the western goal. Soon after the commencement from a line out the visitors’ first score was obtained by Coman, who raced through to register a try near the posts. Shearer converted. The Manawhenua half-back, W. Parata, passed to Tatano, who beat the opposition and scored under the goal. Taylor converted. Chaney, the Wellington fiveeighths, worked his way through, and scored, Shearer converting. Roberta sent the ball across the field to Akuira, who passed to Strange. This player shortpunted, followed up, and got possession again, and scored. Taylor failed with the kick. Manawhenua livened up, and from a line out five yards from the line Summers got the ball and went over unopposed. Manawhenua 11 points, Wellington 10 points. Wellington launched an attack, in which Coman, Mackenzie, and Chaney were conspicuous. The lastnamed dropped his pass, but Porter picked up and went over. - Ransom landed a beautiful goal. Soon afterwards the spell ended in neutral territory. Wellington 15 points, Manawhenua 11 points. On the resumption of play, from a scramble near the line, T. Parata got over, but the try was not converted. Wellington took a turn at attacking, and Porter opened up a passing movement, in which Mackenzie, Chaney, Ransom, and Mackay participated, the last-named scoring. > Wellington 18, Manawhenua 14. In a further attack by the visitors a likely try was spoilt by a knock on. Faulty handling by the home backs enabled the visitors to renew the attack, but T, Parata. cleared. The ball, however, went through to Peterson, who had replaced Cuming, as full-back, and he cleverly potted a goal. Manawhenua made an immediate incursion, and from a scramble near the line Galpin crossed. The try was not converted. Manawhenua kept up the pressure, and Tatana scored near the posts. Wellington 22 points, Manawhenua 20 points. The visitors again opened an offensive, the attack being led by Broderick and O’Regan, and continued by Sly, who touched down. The home team responded vigorously, and the game became very exciting. Taylor made a bold effort, but was forced out inside the twenty-five. A series of scrums and line outs followed near the Wellington line, and from one of the latter W. Parata marked and drop kicked. The ball struck the bar and bounced over. Wellington responded with a forward rush, and Coman sent on to Mackay, enabling him tp score. Shortly afterwards Wellington were penalised for a forward picking the ball out of the scrum. Tatana took the kick from near the halfway line, and put the ball over. Time sounded with the score:— Wellington .. .. 28 points Manawhenua .. .. 26 points

Timaru .. .. Won. .. 174 Lost. 101 Otago .. .. .. 15 13 Christchurch .. 131 144 Southland .. .. 10 IS